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Are Carbohydrates Essential?
The idea that carbohydrates are essential for our health is a common misconception. Many people believe that we need to consume a certain amount of carbohydrates in our diet to maintain good health and avoid malnutrition. However, recent research suggests that this is not the case. In this article, we will explore the myth of the essentiality of carbohydrates and provide evidence to support this claim.
The term “essential” refers to a nutrient that our bodies cannot produce on their own and must be obtained from our diet. There are only nine essential amino acids and two essential fatty acids, but no essential carbohydrates. Our bodies are capable of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and fatty acids, which can then be used for energy. This means that we do not need to consume carbohydrates in order to meet our energy needs.
In fact, a growing body of evidence suggests that a low to zero carbohydrate diet can be safe and effective for weight loss and improved health markers, such as blood sugar control and blood pressure. A study published in The Lancet found that a low-carbohydrate diet was associated with greater weight loss and improved blood sugar control compared to a low-fat diet (Source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31809-9/fulltext).
Another study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a low-carbohydrate diet improved insulin sensitivity, compared to a high-carbohydrate diet, in people with type 2 diabetes (Source: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/87/5/1218/4633397).
Excess consumption of carbohydrates, such as those found in breads, sugary drinks, baked goods, and many fruits and vegetables, can contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Who, exactly, has determined what the word “excessive” implies when trying to determine how many carbs are too many, and which ones have a negative impact on health? That my friends, is strictly up to you to determine because we are not all the same. Take charge of your health and try a low (less than 20g per day) to zero carb way of eating for two to three months. By using this elimination process you can determine which carbs have the worst impact on your own health by working some of the better sources of carbs back in individually to see how your mind and body reacts to them.
It is a scientifically proven fact that carbohydrates are not essential for our health and well-being. Our bodies can produce glucose from other sources and meet our energy needs without consuming carbohydrates. If you happen to (falsely) believe that you absolutely must have some carbs, make it an avocado a day and leave the rest behind.
Carbohydrates And Cancer:
Sugar and carbohydrates have been a topic of debate when it comes to their impact on health and the potential to feed cancer cells. Here we will explore the connection between sugar and cancer, and what role carbohydrates play in the development of this disease.
Cancer cells feed on sugar, or glucose, which is the primary source of energy for the body. When sugar enters the bloodstream, it triggers the release of insulin, which in turn helps transport glucose to cells that need it. However, cancer cells have a high affinity for glucose, and they consume a disproportionate amount of it. This leads to an increased level of glucose in the bloodstream, which provides fuel for cancer cells to grow and multiply.
Carbohydrates, which are a type of sugar, also play a role in the development of cancer. When we eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into simple sugars in the gut and absorbed into the bloodstream. This leads to an increase in insulin levels, which then helps transport glucose to cells that need it. However, high levels of insulin have been linked to the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
Refined, processed, and natural sugars, such as those found in candy, soda, baked goods, and fruits and vegetables are absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a spike in insulin levels.
In conclusion, while sugar and carbohydrates do not cause cancer, they can provide fuel for cancer cells to grow and multiply. To reduce the risk of feeding cancer cells, it’s important to reduce carb and sugar intake to near zero if possible. A very low to zero carb way of eating can help keep insulin levels in check and reduce the risk of developing cancer, and can also be used to slow cancer growth after being diagnosed..
Here are a few sources to support the information mentioned in the previous section about sugar and carbohydrates potentially feeding cancer:
- Study published in the journal Nature Reviews Cancer: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrc2631
- Study published in the journal Cancer Research: https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/64/24/9209
- Review article published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2015.00248/full
- Article published by the American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/does-sugar-feed-cancer.html